Phasors, Transients, and Harmonics

All waveforms are processed eight times every cycle through a DC decaying removal filter

and a Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT). The resulting phasors have fault current transients

and all harmonics removed. This results in an overcurrent relay that is extremely secure

and reliable and one that will not overreach.

Processing of AC Current Inputs

The DC Decaying Removal Filter is a short window digital filter, which removes the DC

decaying component from the asymmetrical current present at the moment a fault occurs.

This is done for all current signals used for overcurrent protection; voltage signals use the

same DC Decaying Removal Filter. This filter ensures no overreach of the overcurrent

protection.

The Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) uses exactly one cycle of samples to calculate a

phasor quantity which represents the signal at the fundamental frequency; all harmonic

components are removed. All subsequent calculations (e.g. power, etc.) are based upon the

current and voltage phasors, such that the resulting values have no harmonic

components. RMS (root mean square) values are calculated from one cycle of samples

prior to filtering.

Protection Elements

All voltage, current and frequency protection elements are processed eight times every

cycle to determine if a pickup has occurred or a timer has expired. The voltage and current

protection elements use RMS current/voltage, or the magnitude of the phasor.